Howdy, Colorado Democrats! |
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| Howdy, Colorado Democrats! Happy June and happy Pride!
This month is packed with volunteer opportunities and community events and Pride season is officially here! There are Pride events happening across the state, and you can find out what’s happening in your area here.
We are also thrilled to be hosting DemWest in Palisade on June 8th for our first official CDP event out West! Limited tickets are still available, so pack up the car with some snacks and head over to Palisade for some country music, cider, and motivation to get out there on the doors this fall from Chair Shad Murib, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Adam Frisch, and more before our primary election on June 25!
Speaking of the primary, don’t forget to GOTV for Democratic candidates in the June 25th Primary and watch the first Presidential Debate on June 27th. We’ll be announcing a watch party in Denver shortly – keep an eye out. |
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The Colorado Democratic Party and BIPOC Rising are teaming up to provide a one-day training on July 27th for aspiring candidates who are BIPOC or between the ages of 18-30. Information can be found in this flyer. This is a fantastic opportunity for candidates-to-be to get the training they need to run great campaigns and diversify our bench of future leaders. Apply here before July 1st and please share the flier and application on your social media accounts and to your members! We want to pack this room! |
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| Karin Asensio - Executive Director Karin is the Executive Director, she has been with the party for 5 years. Karin grew up in Switzerland and has 3 teenage children, 2 dogs and 1 cat. |
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| Porter Bennett - Finance Manager
Porter has worked on campaigns at every level throughout Colorado and has helped raise over $1.5 million for Democratic candidates. He is from Golden, went to school at CU-Boulder and now lives in Denver. |
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| Halley Hobbs - Political Manager
Hello CO Democrats, I am one of the newest members of the team here at CDP. Before starting with CO Dems in February of this year, I lived in Florida for 5 years and got my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. I have a GSD named Ada and two cats, Bellamy and Murphy. |
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| Joselyn Jackson - Office Manager
Hi! My name is Joselyn and I'm the Office Manager here at CDP. I manage the CDP office phone and email, as well as help support staff with various projects. Outside of work, I'm very family-oriented. |
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| Joe Zemek - VAN & Tech Director
Joe Zemek hails from Phoenix, & stayed in Denver after a few years at Regis University. He got more involved in politics after the 2000 election went wrong, learned to canvass with Obama 08, and started his journeys as a staffer and Adams County volunteer in 2016. Outside of home & Dem work, you may find Joe playing Euro-style board games, obtaining peaches (in season), working at his community garden, on a trail (preferably in a National Park), or positioning near a supercell thunderstorm to see a tornado.
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| Will Quinn - Compliance Director
I have been with CDP since the Biden/Harris 2020 coordinated campaign, working on campaign operations, finance, and presently compliance. Before politics, I spent over a decade in culinary arts prior to earning my BA in Business Management from MSU Denver. |
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| Jarrek Holmes - Horizon Project Deep Canvassing Organizer Jarrek is a Colorado native who feels most at home under the Aspen trees in the Rocky Mountains. He found success in the software industry on the west coast but has come home to Colorado to kickstart his political career. As the current Horizon Project Deep Canvassing organizer, he's making his mark by helping elect Democrats up and down the ballot. |
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| Reem Saeed - Horizon Project Deep Canvassing Organizer Reem joined the Horizon Project's pilot in 2023 and is currently a student organizer for the project. She is passionate about Deep Canvassing and hopes to spend the summer getting people involved and excited to talk to voters. During the year, she is studying political science at Princeton University. |
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| Katie Wallace - Executive Director of the Democratic Senate Campaign Fund Katie Wallace is starting as the Executive Director of the Democratic Senate Campaign Fund. She has worked in politics and campaigns since 2012 when she began as a field organizer for President Obama in her hometown, Lafayette, CO. Prior to starting with DSCF, she worked for Reps. Caraveo and Neguse and on a variety of Colorado's Democratic campaigns up-and-down the ballot. |
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| Scott Merrifield - Executive Director of the Colorado House Majority Project
A decorated US Army combat veteran of the Gulf War. Following his military service, Scott explored various roles, including college student, playwright, and DJ, before dedicating himself to a career in politics. He has served as an aide to two Colorado State Senators and has held key positions in numerous state and local campaigns, including field organizer, field director, and campaign manager. His leadership extended to Jefferson County, where he served as 1st Vice-Chair and then Chair for five years. Beyond his professional achievements, Scott is a proud father of a daughter and grandfather to three grandchildren.
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The Horizon Project Updates |
SIGN UP HERE!
You decide what will happen this November. You can make the difference in the most competitive House race in the country.
Our volunteers have shown up to touch hearts and change minds in CD8. Last month we were in Greeley and Commerce City, reaching out to members of the community who have had little or no face-to-face interaction with anyone from either political party. We talked to an immigrant from Cameroon who is struggling to make ends meet. We connected with a mother who has children in the LGBTQ community and struggles with mental health. We helped these people, along with many others, realize how "what goes on at the political level" directly affects their loved ones. This is the work that builds community and inspires people to vote!
Not convinced? In Philadelphia another deep canvassing group called Changing the Conversation reached out to an inconsistent voter who was contacted by a deep canvasser in 2022. Their response? “I remember talking to someone who used this script a few years ago and I want to let you know I am 100% voting this fall.” This voter had not missed an election since talking to a deep canvasser. Our work has lasting impacts that can turn a non-voter into a habitual one!
I'm calling on you to join this incredible cohort of volunteers in our commitment to ensure that decency and democracy are preserved. Many volunteers have expressed that this is the most fun and fulfilling way to help elect Democrats. In June, there are four canvasses scheduled across CD8. Sign up for one of those canvasses to have an experience you will never forget!
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Biden-Harris Campaign Updates |
The Biden-Harris campaign is launching Black Voters for Biden-Harris, a national organizing program focused on boosting historic investments in and outreach to Black voters, who have long been the backbone of the Biden-Harris campaign. In 2020, Black voters were critical players in electing President Biden and Vice President Harris. This year is no different – Black voters are once again key to defeating Trump’s extreme, anti-freedom agenda.
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TEAM BIDEN-HARRIS LAUNCHES BLACK VOTERS FOR BIDEN-HARRIS Black Voters for Biden-Harris is Team Biden-Harris’ national organizing program to bolster the campaign’s ongoing historic investments in outreach to the backbone of the Biden-Harris coalition – Black voters Black voters played a key role in electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020, helping to deliver:
The lowest Black unemployment rate on record and Black wealth up 60% since before the pandemic. Narrowest racial wealth gap in 20 years.
Lower prescription drug prices and insulin costs capped at $35 for seniors.
Black small business growth at the fastest pace in decades. Student debt relief for nearly 5 million Americans and historic $16 billion investment in HBCUs.
The Biden-Harris campaign isn’t taking a single vote for granted, and Black Voters for Biden-Harris is the next phase of the campaign’s historic outreach to these voters, who will be critical to once again defeating Trump’s extreme agenda to keep us moving forward: Since launch, the campaign has made historic investments in Black media – with much more to go. Directly engaging with Black communities by hosting events across the country driven by Democrats’ robust, diverse surrogate operation. Developing culturally competent content and innovative organizing initiatives – like partnering with trusted Black organizations to bolster Democrats’ on the ground operations.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s entire campaign is one massive threat to Black America. To add insult to injury they’ve made clear that all they think they need to do to engage Black voters is free fast food.
After closing minority outreach centers, Team Trump has been unable to articulate a real plan to reach Black voters.
The bottom line: Team Biden-Harris will continue to be aggressive, innovative and thorough in the work to earn the support of Black America. |
CONTENT TO UPLIFT
The Hill: Biden campaign to launch Black voter program at Philadelphia rally
Axios: Biden launching new strategy to win Black voters
@NBCPhiladelphia: #Decision2024: During their visit to Philadelphia on Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris plan to launch a campaign that aims to invest in Black student organizations, community groups and faith centers across the country. @annmarie: "On Wednesday, Biden will stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most influential Black Democrats in the country and debut a coalition that the campaign hopes will help shore up support with the key Democratic constituency,” reports @PhillyInquirer
@RepJasonCrow: “The House is considering a highly partisan Military Construction & Veterans funding bill.Republicans are trying to ban abortion, attack LGBTQI+ veterans, and worsen the quality of life & safety for servicemembers. We should be focused on the needs of our nation's servicemembers, not playing politics with their livelihoods.”
@RepDianaDeGette: “Proud to support this maneuver to bring the Right to Contraception Act to the House Floor. As co-Chair of the @ProChoiceCaucus, I will not rest until we reverse the damage of the Dobbs decision & protect access to contraception for every American.”
Colorado Politics: “Joe Neguse, Yadira Caraveo lead Colorado's House delegation on bipartisan ranking”
The Mountain Mail: “Congress approves $90M in funding for Ark Valley Conduit: U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper recently secured $90 million in new funding to expedite construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a pipeline originally approved as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project in 1962, which will bring clean drinking water to Southeastern Colorado.”
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| BIDEN HAS DELIVERED FOR BLACK AMERICANS. TRUMP HARMED BLACK AMERICANS AS PRESIDENT – A SECOND TERM WOULD BE EVEN WORSE Joe Biden is running for reelection as a president who made promises and kept them – delivering huge progress for Black Americans. And he’s just getting started: Black wealth up 60% since before the pandemic. Black small businesses starting up at the fastest rate in 30 years. Black unemployment hit historic low. Fighting to make the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share of taxes. Cut Black child poverty in half in 2021 with $300 checks per child, per month – pushing to restore it. Forgave over $167B in student loan debt – fighting for more. Capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors – time to cap it for everyone. Strengthened the ACA and nearly doubled Black enrollment, saving many families $800/month on premiums – pushing to make these savings permanent.
Historic $16 billion in investments in HBCUs – fighting to lower the costs of HBCUs and double the value of Pell Grants. It’s a stark contrast with Donald Trump who was a disaster for Black America – he ran a racist campaign, implemented a racist agenda, and hurt Black people every chance he got as president: Falsely accused the Exonerated Five of murder, calling for the execution of five innocent Black and brown boys.
The murder rate spiked by the most on record under Trump – now he’s pushing for more guns in our schools and on our streets. Black unemployment and uninsured rates skyrocketed.
Tried to repeal Obama’s signature achievement – now is doubling down, working to “terminate” the ACA. His botched COVID-19 response disproportionately left Black Americans dead and Black-owned businesses shuttered. Pushed to bring back stop and frisk. Now he’s promising to do even more damage to Black families every chance he gets if he regains power. |
TRUMP VS. BIDEN BY THE NUMBERS
After Donald Trump ran a racist campaign, implemented a racist agenda, and hurt Black communities every chance he got as president, Joe Biden is fighting for Black Americans, and has delivered huge progress. Unemployment rate: Under Joe Biden: Black unemployment hit historic lows. Under Trump: Jobs disappeared and unemployment more than doubled for Black Americans during the pandemic. Black wealth: Under Joe Biden: up 60% since before the pandemic.
Under Trump: His tax scam worsened the racial wealth gap – the typical white household got double the cut of a typical Black household. Black small businesses:
Under Joe Biden: Black small businesses starting up at the fastest rate in 30 years. Under Trump: Botched COVID-19 response disproportionately left Black-owned businesses shuttered. Uninsured rate Under Joe Biden: health insurance rate for Black Americans is at 90%. Under Trump: 300,000 Black Americans lost health insurance in his first two years as president. |
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Glenna Cornish is an active member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Initiative and has served as an interpreter for Hearing Handicapped for many years for the Colorado Democratic Party. She volunteers consistently for the Democratic dinners, Demfest and the Obama Gala. She is also an officer in the Denver Democrats Districts.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, we appreciate every one of you! If you would like to nominate a volunteer to be Volunteer of the Month please fill out the nomination form here.
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May 21, 2024
BENNET, HICKENLOOPER, CAREVEO WELCOME OVER $8 MILLION TO ADDRESS POLLUTION, REVITALIZE COLORADO COMMUNITIES Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grants Will Clean Contaminated Properties, Create Healthier Communities
Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside Colorado U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo welcomed over $8 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help clean polluted and abandoned properties in Colorado. The investments were awarded through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs which received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Read more here. |
May 16, 2024 BENNET, 16 COLLEAGUES PUSH SENATE LEADERS TO INCREASE FUNDING TO SECURE THE BORDER, COMBAT DRUG-TRAFFICKING Senators Call for More Border Security Officers, Surveillance Technology
Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), alongside 14 of their colleagues, to urge U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations leaders to combat illicit drug and weapons trafficking and increase border security funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) government funding bill. The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Read more here. | | May 17, 2024 BENNET, HICKENLOOPER, COLLEAGUES PUSH FOR CRITICAL FUNDING FOR STUDENT AID Increased Funding Would Address Longstanding Concerns with Updated FAFSA
Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined 23 of their Senate colleagues to urge the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to include critical funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) government funding bill. Full funding for FSA would help address longstanding concerns with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Read more here. |
May 16, 2024
BENNET, 16 COLLEAGUES PUSH SENATE LEADERS TO INCREASE FUNDING TO SECURE THE BORDER, COMBAT DRUG-TRAFFICKING Senators Call for More Border Security Officers, Surveillance Technology Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), alongside 14 of their colleagues, to urge U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations leaders to combat illicit drug and weapons trafficking and increase border security funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) government funding bill. The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Read more here. |
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May 14, 2024
Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Call for $1.2 Billion for Agricultural Conservation in Upcoming Funding Bill
WASHINGTON – Recently, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and 24 of their colleagues called on Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to fully fund agricultural conservation programs in the fiscal year 2025 government funding bill.
“We need strong investments in USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) staff and resources to support farmers, ranchers and foresters to help mitigate and adapt to climate change,” wrote the senators. “As producers face growing productivity and environmental challenges such as droughts, wildfires, and floods, these programs help build resiliency and support the economic viability of family farms and ranches.”
The senators highlighted the success of agricultural conservation programs managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and urged the committee to support the programs as authorized in the Farm Bill. These programs provide direct technical and planning assistance to farmers, and help producers across the country manage their working lands sustainably. The text of the letter is available HERE. |
CONGRESSWOMAN CARAVEO: EPA TO DELIVER OVER $4.3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO CO-08 Federal Funding from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is coming to Northglenn, Greeley, and Kersey THORNTON, Colo. — On Monday, May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $4,382,899 in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for projects in Colorado’s 8th Congressional district. Read more here. |
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Colorado Legislature Updates |
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May 18, 2024
Gov. Polis Signs Two Bills to Support Students into Law
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two pieces of legislation to support Colorado students. SB24-164 will improve transparency surrounding higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degrees or certificate programs. HB24-1076 will create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families.
“Throughout my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it became clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-164. “This new law is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.”
“Creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado means we put students first,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB24-164. “This law will make it easier for students pursuing higher education in Colorado to understand the cost of their degree or certificate. It will also ensure that students transferring from a community college to a four year institution receive credits they deserve for the classes they’ve successfully completed.”
Read more here. |
May 17, 2024
SIGNED! Legislation to Reduce Lead and Noise Pollution, Protect Colorado’s Air
SUPERIOR, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to reduce lead and noise pollution caused by airplanes. HB24-1235, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Shannon Bird and Senate President Steve Fenberg and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, will protect communities from aviation fuel lead emissions and noise pollution. Read more here. |
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May 17, 2024 Signed! Legislation to Streamline Sustainability Practices, Help Colorado Reach Climate Goals
New law creates the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals
BOULDER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals.
“Colorado has passed nation leading legislation in recent years to set reasonable and reachable climate goals and put us on a path to a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “With the many policies we’ve passed, there are a number of agencies and offices working independently towards the same goals. The Colorado Office of Sustainability will ensure these many moving parts are working in concert to implement our climate goals, reduce emissions, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”
Read more here. |
May 16, 2024 Governor Signs Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit
WESTMINSTER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, establishes more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities.
Read more here. |
May 14, 2024
SIGNED! Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Become Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed a pair of bills into law that will save Colorado families millions of dollars a year on housing.
SB24-233, sponsored by the Chair of the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, as well as House Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood ensures that Colorado homeowners won’t see an increase in their property taxes for tax year 2024 and reduces statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion.
Read more here. |
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(if you have events you want featured in future Dem Dispatch newsletters, please send to [email protected]!) |
June 6th Denver Dems Spring Fundraiser June 8th Demwest June 8th Santa Fe Trail Days - Las Animas County Dems will have a booth June 22-23 Bailey Days - Park County Dems will have a booth June 30 Denver Dems Summer Picnic |
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That is it for now, thank you for reading.
Go, fight, win! Colorado Dems |
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